One of the most memorable live performances of all time, for me, was Queen’s set during Live Aid in 1985. During the show, Queen front man Freddie Mercury was at his very best. Kicking the set off with Bohemian Rhapsody, Freddie had the massive audience in the palm of his hand. The set also gave way to the oft-memed “Aye-Oh”. If you’ve never seen the full set, it is actually available on Youtube. If you even remotely like Queen, it’s a must watch.
After the huge success of their first S.H. Figuarts Freddie Mercury from their Wembley Stadium performance, it was only a matter of time for Tamashii Nations to release another Freddie Mercury figure. The Live aid Freddie Mercury figure is available from most online retailers now. the 6″ scale figure includes three interchangeable portraits, multiple swap out hands, and two microphones. Our friends at Bluefin have sent the figure over. After the jump, check out a gallery and review for the S.H. Figuarts Live aid Freddie Mercury.
S.H. Figuarts Freddie Mercury Live Aid Version by Tamashii Nations
Pros
- Outstanding likenesses on the portraits
- Excellent articulation and range of motion
- Solid paint work
- Good assortment of interchangeable parts
- Parts are very easy to swap out
Cons
- Top of the jeans are noticeably wider than the waist
Overall
The Freddie Mercury figure comes packed in a collector friendly window box. The packaging itself features multiple photos of the figure, showing the different parts. The figure and accessories sit in a plastic clamshell tray. Freddie includes a microphone, a microphone with a pole, a standard portrait, two singing portraits, a pair of fists, a pair of grip hands for the microphone, a pair of hands for the mic with the pole, and a pair of open palm hands.
The figure stands just under 6″ tall, and has a ton of articulation (as any S.H. Figuarts would). The sculpt work overall is excellent, bringing the instantly recognizable singer to life. The three portraits are all pretty spot on. Tamashii Nations employs their digital face printing tech here to great effect. The dots do look a little big on very close inspection, but it’s not that noticeable from a foot or more away. Paint work om the rest of the figure is handled nicely, right down to the prominent chest hair peaking out of his tank top. There’s about 30 or so points of articulation here, and the range of motion available allows for every iconic pose to be pulled off without any trouble. None of the joints caused any issues. The heads and hands all swapped out easily.
I didn’t run into any real issues while handling the figure. I do wish the top of the jeans lined up more with the waist. The way they are, the belt area is noticeably wider than the waist. It’s not a huge issue, and doesn’t detract from how solid the figure is. It’s a lot of fun to pose, and looks great in person. Check out a few select photos below, and the full gallery after that.
S.H. Figuarts Freddie Mercury Live Aid Version by Tamashii Nations – Toyark Photo Shoot
Woof. Those jeans at the top. I don’t use dumpster fire often. But for a figure that’s what $80-$100? Wow. Total dumpster fire. Why they hell would Bandai let that out? Sometimes to much articulation is just that. To much.
Any idea if the head sculpts and face printing are exactly the same as the old figure with the Wembley Stadium yellow jacket outfit?
As a Queen fan I want to like this. This reminds me of figures from Welcome to Marwen. This would look better if it used a seamless body and soft goods such as TBLEAGUE.
May pick the new one on a sale, the previous one isnt that hard to find at a fair price. Just wish they would do some re-dos of the Michael Jackson and try to do more icons music or otherwise. Maybe a Bowie. Not sure if they made figures for Beetles, Rat Pack, or Elvis would sell nowadays. Certain performers are more known for dancing and movement than others though.
May pick the new one on a sale, the previous one isnt that hard to find at a fair price. Just wish they would do some re-dos of the Michael Jackson and try to do more icons music or otherwise. Maybe a Bowie. Not sure if they made figures for Beetles, Rat Pack, or Elvis would sell nowadays. Certain performers are more known for dancing and movement than others though.
Agree 100% on MJ and Bowie. I need a Bad MJ in my life, maybe with sleeve & jacket options. “Beat It” for sure. Thriller I could probably pass given it’s such a plain red look but if done right, maybe... wouldn’t touch the Figma one with a 10 foot pole it was so off.
Bowie we need at least Ziggy and Thin White Duke looks.
Whoever said that articulation breaks up sculpts is full of beans.
A new figure of Jim Morrison is also well over due I reckon.
Not bad..
Mercury is cool
For some reason the first release seems better, I don't know. I'm hoping Bandai puts out a 70s version wearing the unitard, the could milk that look for a couple of repaints and fans would buy all of them.
They should do an S.H. Figuarts Rick James.
He has such a nice chest of hair :P.
... I didn’t say I wouldn’t buy it.... I just hope he comes with a tiny version of the issue of Oui magazine with topless Linda Blair.
If they release this in his iconic Wembley Stadium Yellow Jacket outfit, I'm in.
The Wembley Stadium-version got a reissue last year so it should still be available on the market, but I haven’t checked.
https://news.toyark.com/2015/10/21/q...iguarts-180206
He sure did. It’s a matter of public record.
Wembley Stadium Freddie is still out there in good numbers at around original MSRP.
Wembley Stadium Freddie is still out there in good numbers at around original MSRP.
Strongly disagree with your very inaccurate generalization but whatevs.
Cocaine's a hell of a drug.
Full Thread: Live Aid Freddie Mercury Gallery
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